Academically and Intellectually Gifted

Welcome!

The vision of the McDowell County Schools' Advanced Learning and Talent Development Program is to provide a challenging and positive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to reach their highest academic and intellectual potential. We want our students capable of meeting the changing needs of society in the 21st Century and to be equipped with the skills needed to be successful in a globally competitive world.

Academically or Intellectually Gifted students learn more rapidly and have the ability to think with more complexity and abstraction than their peers. Services for Academically/Intellectually Gifted students must be part of an overall educational program which supports excellence for all students. We believe in providing a continuum of services in grades kindergarten through thirteen which includes a rigorous, relevant, and differentiated curriculum designed to meet individual academic, social, and emotional needs of students that cross all cultural and economic strata.

2023-2024 McDowell County Advanced Learning and Talent Development Family Brochure

2023-2024 McDowell County Advanced Learning and Talent Development Family Spanish Brochure

2023-2025 McDowell County Schools AIG Plan

AIG Handbook

AIG Overview Presentation Video

AIG Screening, Referral, and Placement Information Video 

Definition of Giftedness

• Academically/Intellectually gifted students perform or show potential at a substantially high level of accomplishment compared with others of their age.
• Academically/Intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas and/or specific academic areas.
• Academically/Intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond the regular educational program.
• Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Inquiries Regarding Gifted Services

Parent or Guardian inquiries about Advanced Learning and Talent Development Program appropriate options should be directed to the child's assigned school. The following sequence is recommended:

1. General Education Teacher(s)

2. School Principal

3. Advanced Learning and Talent Development Specialist assigned to School

Student Referral Form

Gifted and Talented Education Organizations 

• Advanced Learning and Gifted Education Division at NCDPI - North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction Advanced Learning and Gifted Education Division brings together programs across our state to support the advanced learning needs of North Carolina students. 
• North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) - NCAGT is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of  academically and/or intellectually gifted (AIG) students in North Carolina. Their website contains support and resources for students, parents / guardians, and educators. 
• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) - NAGC's mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research. Their website contains resources for parents / guardians, educators, and school administrators.